Honoring MothersScripture Reference: Psalm 127: 1-5íExcept the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it.Except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows, for so he giveth his beloved sleep. Lo, children are an heritage from the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As sorrows are in the hand of a mighty man, so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate."------------------------------------------------------Introduction: Today we want to honor the mothers that are in our congregation. We have many reasons we should honor them --- for the sacrifical, unselfish love they have given us, all the loving deeds they have done for us throughout our lives, for all the prayers they have prayed for us, and for all the sleepless nights they have spent for us with tears running down their cheeks. Mothers may not sit behind a big office desk with a view overlooking the city, but there is no job that more important than that of a mother. Their job is often demanding and often unrewrading.

This morning Iíd like for us to look at four (4) special characteristics of a Christian mother and how these traits have an effect upon those under her care.-----------------------------------------------------

#01:) JOY:

Many people think that joy and happiness are the same, but they are not. Joy comes from having a right relationship with God, our eternal creator. When things are right between us and God we can experience the joy that comes from the LORD. Happiness is the feeling we feel when the things in our realm of life are going well for us. Joy is not easily lost because our relationship with God does not change just because conditions or circumstances change. (Or at least it should not) Even when we are in a valley we have the full assurance that God loves us and that we are His children. Regardless of what is taking place, Gos is at work in our lives, working all things together for our good. God is always in total control of things and He is all wise- all knowing and all powerful. God is always on our side desiring the very best for us. There is nothing that we could do that would cause God to stop loving us. He may not love the things we may do, but He will always be found loving us. Therefore no child of God should ever allow Satan to rob them of their joy. Satan does not have the power to take your joy from you. The only way you can lose it is to give it away.

In looking at the JOY of a mother, joy is the greatest gift she could possibly give to her family. It is such a blessing from above to have a "JOYFUL MOTHER", who regardless of the disappointments and difficulities of everyday life, she continues to go about with a joyful spirit, always uplifting and encoraging those within